A wave of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids across Los Angeles has triggered intense protests now in their third day, with demonstrators clashing with police and setting vehicles ablaze. President Donald Trump’s deployment of 2000 National Guard troops to quell the unrest has drawn sharp criticism from California leaders, who call it a provocative escalation.
Raids and Protests Rock Los Angeles
On Friday ICE agents launched coordinated raids targeting workplaces like a clothing warehouse in the Fashion District and a Home Depot in Paramount, detaining at least 118 people for alleged immigration violations. The sweeps part of Trump’s intensified deportation push sparked immediate outrage in LA’s immigrant-heavy communities. Protesters gathered outside the Edward R Roybal Federal Building in downtown LA chanting “Set them free let them stay” and blocking ICE vehicles. Some spray-painted anti-ICE slogans while others clashed with federal agents who used tear gas and flash-bang grenades to disperse crowds.
By Saturday protests spread to Paramount and Compton with hundreds blocking the 101 Freeway and setting at least five Waymo self-driving taxis on fire. Videos show flames rising from vehicles as demonstrators threw rocks and fireworks at law enforcement who responded with rubber bullets and more tear gas. The Los Angeles Police Department declared downtown an “unlawful assembly” arresting 29 people by Sunday evening. Among those detained was SEIU California president David Huerta who was injured during his arrest and faces a Monday court appearance for allegedly obstructing federal agents.
National Guard Deployment Stirs Controversy
On Saturday Trump signed a memo federalizing 2000 California National Guard troops to “address lawlessness” bypassing Governor Gavin Newsom’s authority. The first 300 troops arrived Sunday morning stationed around the Metropolitan Detention Center where detainees are held. Newsom called the move “purposefully inflammatory” and plans to sue arguing it violates state sovereignty. Mayor Karen Bass echoed his concerns saying the raids and troop deployment “sow terror” in LA’s communities. Trump’s border czar Tom Homan defended the action on Fox News warning that anyone impeding ICE including Newsom and Bass could face arrest.
The raids and protests reflect deeper tensions. ICE aims to arrest 3000 migrants daily nationwide with LA a key target due to its large Hispanic and foreign-born population. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the raids noting 35 Mexican nationals were among those detained. Social media is divided with some praising ICE’s crackdown and others condemning the “militarized” tactics. One post read “LA’s fighting for its soul against Trump’s deportation machine” while another claimed “Protesters are just breaking the law.”
Community advocates warn of long-term damage
ICE plans 30 days of daily raids in LA County escalating fears in a city where over 30% of residents are immigrants. The National Guard’s presence with 500 Marines on standby at Camp Pendleton could intensify clashes. The ACLU called the raids an “oppressive paramilitary operation” noting some arrests lacked proper warrants. Community advocates like CHIRLA’s Angelica Salas warn of long-term damage to LA’s economy and social fabric as schools and workplaces see declining attendance.